We had two very tall very coconut-filled coconut trees that we felt were a bit dangerous. Also concerned the one nearer the chapel would eventually fall ONTO the chapel roof, we mentioned to various people that we wanted to have these two trees removed. Here are pictures of the process:
Tarzan climbs the tree.
He gets to the leaves.
He takes a minute to find an opening to climb through the leaves and up to the top.
You can see his machete stuffed into his belt/waist.
From on top, he slashes off each palm frond and bunches of coconuts.
We offered him cold water before his climb. He declined.
Overcome by thirst while IN the tree, he opens a coconut and drinks natures refreshment.
Down it goes.
Back to work.
whack whack goes the machete. thump crash come the coconuts onto the ground.
For this tree, he attaches a rope so that the top does not fall onto the chapel.
The tree is VERY tall.
One palm branch left.
DONE!
Just a minute while I take this phone call.
REALLY! A client wants him tomorrow to remove more coconuts.
So from somewhere, he pulls out an old sack,
slices off a band and rolls a "rope" which he puts around his feet.
Shimmying down with his machete again stuffed into his pants, he plants his feet, holds on with one hand and starts to chop off the head of the tree.
Chop chop chop as if it were soft wood. It's not.
Tarzan and his helpers guarded our clotheslines and the garden as well.
Good job.
PULL on the rope and down came the top of the tree.
We kept the rest for our clothesline :-)
Eventually it will rot and be removed.
Our visiting workers from Canada, the students and staff enjoyed the show.
which to YOU prefer? the one you eat or the one you drink?
We were told these were sweet Philipine coconuts.
We tasted but did not drink too deeply. Must be an acquired taste.
We got a lesson on HOW TO CLIMB A PALM TREE too.
See the technique?
He said, "You can't forget to think about your feet or you will fall."
yea. Got it.
our #1 tree trimmer!